These Lemon Sugar Cookies are light, sweet, and full of refreshing citrus flavor! Perfect for a sunny day or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
They’re so easy to make, and the smell while they’re baking? Pure magic! I love enjoying them with a cup of tea—they make everything feel a bit brighter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and the texture comes out great!
Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re vegan, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for similar results.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon brings bright flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work, but the zest adds a nice touch that’s hard to replicate. I always prefer fresh for the best taste!
Sugar: While granulated sugar is traditional, you can substitute part of it with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. It does change the cookie’s texture a bit but can be delicious!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Getting the right cookie texture is key! It’s all about mixing techniques and baking time. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. This helps achieve that fluffy texture when creaming.
- Don’t over-mix after adding the dry ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Watch the baking time. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so take them out when the edges are golden but the tops look a bit soft.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, allow a bit of time for cooling after baking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure your cookies have the right texture. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Flavors:
Next, beat in the egg until it’s well combined. Then add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined and you can see no more flour. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out some dough and roll it into a ball. Next, roll the ball in the additional ¼ cup of granulated sugar to give it a sweet, crunchy coat.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread as they bake.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the tops are starting to crack.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you move them. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to enjoy your deliciously tangy lemon sugar cookies! They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s softened before creaming for the best texture. You could also use coconut oil, but it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and adjust to taste. While fresh lemons provide a brighter flavor, bottled juice can still work well in a pinch!
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or mix in some poppy seeds for extra texture. Alternatively, fold in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a delightful twist!
